"Get up."
Ulrich spoke sternly, leaving little room for Shana to misunderstand the instruction. She remained on the floor, however, looking up at him through tears.
"I—I won't…" Her voice broke, and she drew a trembling breath. "Please don't hurt me."
His eyes narrowed.
"I have no intention of hurting—"
"I—I'll obey you!" she interrupted. "I'll let you do whatever you want, but please don't throw me out!"
Her voice rose as she spoke, as though she feared he would stop listening before she could make herself understood.
"I won't cry…hic…" she added hurriedly. "I won't scream either…"
Ulrich winced.
He had told her to stand up. Somehow, she had taken that as another reason to plead with him.
